Lab Safety

PPE may be purchased at the bookstore. If purchased elsewhere, it must match the same protection as those chosen for sale at the bookstore. i.e., same length labcoat down legs and long sleeves, same size and design safety glasses and goggles with indirect vents and Z87 impact rating.
Eye Protection Demo
Safety goggles with indirect vents are required for use with liquids, as the risk of splash and drip into the eye is present. Safety goggles should fit the face well to provide a seal. Safety glasses may be used with dry materials, and are chosen to provide the most coverage.
Gloves – Gloves are not suitable for use with every chemical. There are many types of glove materials. Each type is compatible and incompatible with different materials. Search by chemical for the recommended glove type, and then by the manufacturer purchased for breakthrough time (length of time use) for that glove (thickness varies).
Example: Best Brand N-Dex regular disposable gloves are not suitable for concentrated sulfuric acid. They have a breakthrough time of 10 minutes or less.
Some Different Glove Types and Uses
Glove Selection by Chemical Search-Cole Parmer
Chemical Resistance Guide - Permeation & Degradation Data

The UHCL Chemical Inventory is compiled within the OnSite Environmental Health & Safety Assistant (EHSA) software. A chemical inventory is required and serves several functions:

1) To know what materials are present and assess their hazards;
2) A location to store SDS's so that they may be reviewed when looking at chemicals needed for an experiment for hazard planning and first aid purposes;
3) Use for several agency reports throughout the year (e.g., DEA, TCEQ, DSHS); and
4) Allow faculty to share or dispose of items.

EHSA Login

Chemical Safety

Chemical Compatibility and Storage

High Hazard Materials

PYROPHORIC Chemicals – DOE Handbook
PYROPHORIC Materials – University of Berkeley
WATER REACTIVE Chemicals– University of Berkeley

Biological Safety

UH-Biological Safety Manual
UHCL Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
UHCL Autoclave, Disinfection, and Blood Borne Pathogens Training for Labs (taken in blackboard, in Employee EHS training shell)
Autoclave Procedures
Autoclave Log and Efficacy Testing Sheets
Autoclave Bag Tags

Environmental Health and Safety Assistant (EHSA) Software

UHCL uses this software to keep track of regulatory obligations, inventories, permits, inspections, etc. Login is the same as your UHCL user id and password.

EHSA Login

Laser Safety

Class 3b and 4 lasers must be approved and registered with the state. New laser proposals and new authorized users must be requested by subregistration application or amendment to the Laser Safety Officer (LSO) x.2107 to obtain prior authorization and training.

Notice to Employees
Laser Radiation Safety Training - guests and visitors (taken in blackboard, in Employee EHS training shell)
UHCL Certificate of Registration - License with the State
Laser Safety Manual UHCL
Laser Subregistration Amendment form - to request new lasers or users

Laser Regulations and Requirements

Radiation Safety

Only individuals authorized by state license may possess and use radioactive materials. New users must petition, through the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) x.2107, an amendment to the present radiation license to obtain permission.

Radioisotope Regulations

X-Ray Safety Program

All equipment producing x-rays must be approved and registered with the state. New equipment proposals and new authorized users must be requested by subregistration application or amendment to the X-ray Radiation Safety Officer (XRSO) x.2107 to obtain prior authorization and training.

Chemical Compatibility and Storage

High Hazard Materials

Laser Regulations and Requirements

Radioisotope Regulations

X-Ray Regulations

Environmental, Health and Safety